Prevalence and determinants of treatment choices for Haemorrhoids among the residents of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, a community-based study.
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Date
2025-07
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Background: Hemorrhoids are a common anorectal condition influenced by sociodemographic, lifestyle, and healthcare factors. This study explores the prevalence, risk factors, and determinants of treatment preferences among residents of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, offering insights into modern and traditional healthcare utilization.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 630 participants, achieving a 99.5% response rate. Data were collected using structured interviews and analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression to identify determinants of hemorrhoid prevalence and treatment choices.
Results: The prevalence of hemorrhoids was 6.8%. Significant determinants included smoking (AOR = 4.5, 95% CI = 1.24–16.57), constipation in the past year (AOR = 4.7, 95% CI = 2.35–9.23), and awareness of treatment options (AOR = 3.7, 95% CI = 1.74–7.87). Conservative treatment preferences were strongly linked to older age (≥60 years, AOR = 10.7, 95% CI = 2.89–39.32), higher education levels (AOR = 3.9 for primary education, 95% CI = 1.44–10.85), and rectal symptoms (AOR = 5.2, 95% CI = 2.06–13.13). Modern medicine was preferred by 80.3% of participants, while 12.2% opted for traditional remedies. Despite high geographic access to healthcare facilities (99.5% within 5 km), financial constraints (41.7%) and lack of awareness (52.4%) were key barriers to treatment.
Conclusion: The study highlights a moderate prevalence of hemorrhoids, with strong associations to lifestyle and medical history factors. Treatment preferences reflect increasing trust in modern medicine, yet barriers such as affordability and awareness hinder optimal healthcare utilization. Integration of traditional practices with modern medicine and targeted education campaigns are recommended to improve prevention and management strategies.
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Hemorrhoids, prevalence, treatment preferences, traditional medicine, modern medicine, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.